Sports/Games/Crafts
-- Curriculum Connections, 10/1/2008
BRUNELLE, Lynn. Camp Out!: The Ultimate Kids’ Guide. illus. by Brian Biggs & Elara Tanguy. 384p. diags. index. Workman. 2007. pap. $11.95. ISBN 978-0-7611-4122-8. LC number unavailable.
Gr 5 Up–Packed with an amazing amount of information, this “guide to everything camping” is a must-have for adventurous young naturalists. Breezy text and amusing cartoons introduce camping basics and outdoor skills, present appetite-whetting recipes, and provide an enticing assortment of campsite games, activities, and science pursuits. B
BUDD, Jackie. Seasons of the Horse: A Practical Guide to Year-Round Equine Care. 272p. charts. photos. index. CIP. T.F.H. 2007. Tr $29.95. ISBN 978-0-7938-0611-9. LC 2007013816.
Gr 5 Up–After an introduction to the responsibilities of equine ownership, chapters divided into the four seasons focus on the needs of the domesticated breeds throughout a year, including exercise, nutrition, health, and habitat. Horse aficionados will find essential, straightforward advice highlighted by copious full-color photos. B
GREEN, Tim. Football Hero. 297p. CIP. HarperCollins. 2008. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-06-112274-3; PLB $17.89. ISBN 978-0-06-112275-0. LC 2007024184.
Gr 5-8–Written by a former NFL star, this story incorporates brisk action on the field and off. Sixth-grader Ty Lewis is recruited for his middle school football team, but his guardian uncle makes him work after school. When the boy’s older brother signs a pro contract, the uncle’s shady business associates press Ty for insider information, getting both brothers in trouble with the law. B
LUPICA, Mike. The Big Field. 240p. Philomel. 2008. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-399-24625-8. LC number unavailable.
Gr 5-8–Bound for Florida’s junior league baseball finals, 14-year-old Hutch is a true team player with promise. When his father begins mentoring a cocky newcomer named Darryl, who usurps Hutch’s coveted shortstop position, jealousy causes a father-son rift that threatens the team’s future. Play-by-play baseball action and heart-wrenching drama will appeal to sports lovers and reluctant readers alike. B
MERCADO, Nancy E., ed. Baseball Crazy: Ten Short Stories That Cover All the Bases. 240p. Dial. 2008. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-8037-3162-2. LC number unavailable.
Gr 4-8–Penned by a lineup of talented writers including Jerry Spinelli, Ron Koertge, and Sue Corbett, this anthology captures the nitty-gritty essence, volatile spirit, and indisputable magnetism of America’s favorite pastime. These insightful tales are peopled with memorable characters—from kids who love game action to those who stick to the sidelines—and pervaded with spectacular baseball moments. B
PIETROMARCHI, Sophie Benini. The Book Book: A Journey into Bookmaking. illus. by author. 131p. diags. photos. Tara (India). 2007. Tr $19.95. ISBN 978-81-86211-24-3. LC number unavailable.
Gr 4-8–Tapping into her talent for transforming items such as paper clips, pencil shavings, seeds, and string into art, the author encourages readers to find inspiration in everyday objects. She includes simple, effective writing exercises and ends with directions for crafting 11 types of books. B
PRELLER, James. Six Innings: A Game in the Life. 160p. CIP. Feiwel & Friends. 2008. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-0-312-36763-3. LC 2007032846.
Gr 5-8–Preller scores a home run as he follows the excitement of a championship Little League game, taking readers into the hearts and minds of its individual middle school players. Among them are Sam, recently diagnosed with osteosarcoma, and his buddy Mike, who lives in the shadow of his star athlete sister. B
TATE, Nikki. Behind the Scenes: The Racehorse. illus. by author. 72p. photos. index. CIP. Fitzhenry & Whiteside. 2008. Tr $22.95. ISBN 978-1-55455-018-0; pap. $18.95. ISBN 978-1-55455-032-6. LC C2006-906873-9.
Gr 4-8-A clear text and crisp photos introduce readers to the history of horse racing. In addition to breeding, training, and equine care, topics considered include jobs and equipment related to the sport, and “the dark side of racing”—the drugs and cheating and the abuse of animals. Well written and informative. B
THOMAS, Keltie. How Soccer Works. illus. by Stephen MacEachern. 64p. photos. reprods. glossary. index. Maple Tree, dist. by PGW. 2007. Tr $21.95. ISBN 978-1-897349-00-7; pap. $10.95. ISBN 978-1-897349-01-4. LC C2007-901791-6.
Gr 3-6–Thomas introduces soccer basics, covering history, legendary players, equipment, and skills, while providing easy-to-understand explanations of the science behind the sport. Packed with colorful photos and illustrations, this breezy book will help kids power up their game with know-how. B
Jim Thorpe, Original All-American (unabr.). 5 CDs. 6:26 hrs. Prod. by Listening Library. Dist. by Listening Library/Books on Tape (library.booksontape.com). 2007. ISBN 978-0-7393-6229-7. $50.
Gr 6-9–Thorpe’s remarkable story is told in Joseph Bruchac’s first-person fictionalized biography (Dial, 2006). The book takes readers from the athlete’s childhood on a reservation in Oklahoma to his years at Carlisle (PA) Industrial Indian School, where he began his sports career, to the Olympic scandal that ended his amateur career. A
